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By supporting Proposition 36, the City would be endorsing policies that take us back to the failed <br />"tough on crime" era. Proposition 36 will reinstate harsh penalties, increase the prison <br />population, and worsen racial disparities —without addressing the root causes of crime like <br />poverty, mental health, and substance use.' In the City, we've seen firsthand the benefits of <br />reform -focused policies, and we should be moving forward, not backward. <br />Moreover, Proposition 36's provisions will be costly and ineffective. It will drain resources that <br />could be better spent on education, housing, job training, and other community -based services <br />that prevent crime and uplift vulnerable individuals.' At a time when California faces budget <br />challenges, this proposition diverts funds from essential services, risking an increase in <br />homelessness, recidivism, and economic instability. <br />As a Sanctuary City, the City should continue its tradition of protecting immigrant and refugee <br />residents by rejecting Proposition 36. The proposition would make more immigrants vulnerable <br />to deportation and feed more of our community members into the detention and deportation <br />pipeline. Proposition 47 reclassified six felony offenses to misdemeanors, including shoplifting <br />and simple drug possession, funneling cost savings into public safety measures like drug and <br />mental health treatment and victim services centers. Proposition 36 would not only undo these <br />reforms but also impose new criminal penalties and sentencing enhancements, increasing the risk <br />of deportation for immigrants and further destabilizing families.6 <br />The City must reject Proposition 36 and focus on solutions that promote justice and <br />rehabilitation. We urge you to vote NO on this resolution and continue to support evidence -based <br />policies that foster safer, healthier communities. <br />Sincerely, <br />/", �1, 4 � <br />Bulmaro Vicente <br />Policy and Political Director <br />CC: vamezcua(a.santa-ana.or <br />PB acerra(a) Santa-ana. org <br />TPhan&Santa-ana.org <br />DPenaloza c&santa-ana.org <br />JessieLopezkSanta-ana. org <br />JRyanHernandez(a� Santa-ana. org <br />bvazquez(c� Santa-ana. orb <br />'Prop 36: California's Ballot Proposition to Recall Prop 47 Explained. Vera Institute of Justice (2024), <br />hW2s://www.vera.orLy/ealainers/prop-3 6-califomias-ballot-proposition-to-recall-prop-47-explained <br />'Title and Summary: Initiative 23-0017A1. California Attorney General (2023), <br />h=s://oag`gov/system/files/initiatives/pdfs/Title%20and%20Summary%20%2823-0017A 1 %29.pdf <br />6 Vera Institute of Justice, Prop 36 Explained (2024). <br />2 <br />